Own the Legendary Vintage Drake Nomad Motorcycle - Tips on Finding this Iconic Bike for Sale

The History of the Drake Nomad

The Drake Nomad is a classic motorcycle that has been coveted by enthusiasts for decades. This iconic bike first hit the market in 1967 and was manufactured by the Drake Motorcycle Company, which was founded in Italy in the early 1960s. The Nomad stood out for its unique styling that blended both American and European influences.

Some key features of the original Drake Nomad included its desmodromic 750cc V-twin engine, 5-speed transmission, and distinctive body styling punctuated by the teardrop-shaped gas tank. The bike was lower and sleeker than many other motorcycles of the era, making it appear built for speed. The Nomad was known for its reliability and high-performance capabilities, with a top speed of nearly 130 mph.

The Nomad's Popularity Over the Years

When it was first released, the Drake Nomad made an immediate impact and developed a strong following of devoted riders. It stood out in a market dominated by British and Japanese motorbikes due to its continental European aesthetic and expertise. The Nomad even became one of the most celebrated Italian motorcycles of the 1960s, along with bikes like the Ducati Diana and Laverda 750 SF.

Over the next two decades, the popularity of the Drake Nomad continued to grow. Its signature styling and performance capabilities made it a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts across Europe and North America. The 70s saw the rise of the cafe racer movement, which placed emphasis on customizing bikes for optimum speed and handling. The Nomad was a top choice amongst cafe racers and often modified with racing parts like 836cc engines, straight-cut gearboxes, and low-profile Handlebars.

By the 1980s, the Nomad had cemented its status as a motorcycle icon. Drake introduced new models with updated engines and technology along with heritage versions that stayed true to the original's vintage look and feel. Both vintage original Nomads and the latest models remain popular collector's items to this day.

The Drake Nomad's Legacy

Over 50 years since its initial release, the Drake Nomad still enjoys an enthusiastic following of riders and collectors. Motorcycle historians and journalists consistently rank it as one of the most influential bikes of the 20th century. Its classic teardrop tank design alone has inspired countless custom cafe racers.

The Nomad has also been featured in movies, TV shows, and books as the epitome of cool, vintage motorcycle styling. It represents a pivotal era when European motorcycle design began to shift focus toward speed, innovation, and daring aesthetics. Stars like Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando riding Nomads in films cemented it as one of the great bikes of its generation.

Today, surviving original Nomads from the 60s and 70s can fetch huge prices at auction. Drake has also released several limited edition heritage versions of the Nomad that combine retro design elements with modern technology. The bike continues to win over new generations of riders, ensuring its iconic status for decades to come.

Purchasing a Drake Nomad Today

For motorcycle fans who have always dreamed of owning this legendary bike, purchasing a Drake Nomad is still possible today. Here are some tips on finding a Nomad for sale and what to look for when evaluating condition and price:

Where to Find Drake Nomads for Sale

There are a few places where Drakes frequently pop up for sale:

• Classic motorcycle dealers - These dealers specialize in vintage bikes and often carry or can source Drakes.
• Online motorcycle marketplaces - Marketplaces like eBay Motors and OfferUp allow searching nationwide for Drakes for sale.
• Drake owner forums - The vibrant community of Drake enthusiasts often post when bikes are for sale.
• Auctions - Major motorcycle auction houses like Bonhams offer restored Drakes at times.

What Years to Look For

The most valuable and collectible Nomads are from the first few years of production in the late 1960s. These early bikes are rarest and closest to the original condition when new. Models from the 1970s and later years can also make great rides, just verify maintenance and repairs have been done as needed over the years.

Mileage and Condition

When evaluating a used Drake Nomad, mileage and overall condition are key factors for price. Lower mileage bikes (under 40,000 miles) in excellent running order with original parts intact will be the most desirable and expensive. Be sure to have a mechanic inspect any bike before purchasing if restoration work is needed.

Customization and Modifications

While some collectors want totally original bikes, customs and resto-mods can also command premium pricing. Cafe racer style mods like flat handlebars,frame hoops, and racing seats are common and desirable. Just be cautious of any amateur mods or damage from crashes.

Pricing

Depending on exact year, mileage, condition, and modifications, prices for used Drake Nomads typically range from around $15,000 to $25,000 USD and upwards of $50,000+ for mint condition examples and rare models.

Documentation

Having complete ownership documentation, service records, registrations etc. will add to the value. Be sure to transfer the title properly when purchasing any used bike.

Owning This Iconic Motorcycle

For serious motorcycle enthusiasts, owning a Drake Nomad is a dream come true. Beyond acquiring a coveted collectible machine, buying a Nomad provides the chance to experience a truly special ride. The throaty rumbles of its V-twin paired with the bike's nimble handling make every trip feel like a vintage getaway. Cafe racer styling combines with modern reliability for everyday fun.

Joining the Drake community also opens up club rides, events, and new friendships with fellow obsessives. Restoring and maintaining such an icon is a labor of love. As the Drake Nomad approaches its 60th anniversary, its enduring cool factor shows no signs of fading. Track down the Nomad of your dreams today to begin creating your own riding memories on this legendary machine.

FAQs

How many Drake Nomads were originally manufactured?

The exact production numbers are unknown, but it is estimated that between 15,000 to 25,000 Drake Nomads were built between 1967 and the early 1980s across all model years.

What engine sizes were available on the Nomad?

The original 1967 Nomad featured a 750cc V-twin engine. Over the years, displacements increased to 836cc, 906cc, and even 1000cc engines. Custom cafe racer builds sometimes went even larger.

Is the Drake Nomad a reliable vintage motorcycle?

Yes, the Drake Nomad was known for being a reliable, high-performance bike in its era. Proper maintenance and care is still needed for any classic vehicle, but Nomads are workhorse engines.

What type of transmission did the Nomad use?

Nomads utilized a 5-speed manual transmission in stock form. Some custom builds added straight-cut racing gearboxes for quicker acceleration.

Are OEM or aftermarket parts still available for the Drake Nomad?

Some OEM parts can still be found through vintage dealers. The most common wear items and maintenance parts are also manufactured by aftermarket companies focused on vintage bikes.